Modesto Tico Valle is a seasoned Chicago-based professional and administrator, with a wealth of experience spanning decades. Throughout his career, Modesto Valle has assumed diverse roles across prominent institutions, including educational establishments, non-profit organizations, and vibrant community centers. In the following article, Modesto Tico Valle discusses the impact of the Chicago Park District, and the programs the park service provides to residents and visitors of the communities that surround them.

Chicago may be known as the Windy City, but the region is far more than just its weather, its river, and its iconic skyscrapers. In fact, Chicago also boasts quite a few natural havens! Chicago has a total of 614 parks, which make up 8.2% of its acreage. Visitors to Chicago’s parks can enjoy a wide selection of educational, creative, and recreational programs.

Modesto Tico Valle explores the impact of Chicago Park District programs, from recreation to community.

Modesto Tico Valle Discusses the Aquatics Programs

Chicago Park Department (CPD) offers various aquatics programs for children and adults of all ages – for those just learning to swim as well as experienced swimmers looking for fun new ways to exercise. Programs include Learn to Swim, exercise classes, water polo teams, and Sailing classes on the river – including beginner, intermediate, advanced, and radio lessons.

Special Recreation Programs

Modesto Tico Valle also notes that CPD is proud to offer special recreation programs for members of the community with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as veterans. In Summer 2023, residents enjoyed adaptive cycling, archery, ceramics, disc golf, fishing, running, mountain biking, climbing, wheelchair tennis, and a special summer camp for children. There are also free Special Olympics competitions for various age groups, paratriathlon training sessions, and virtual family game nights.

Arts & Culture Programs

At CPD’s cultural centers one will find world-class creative artists-in-residence prepared to educate students of all ages and skill levels.

Modesto Tico Valle says that students can enjoy dance classes in Hip Hop, Ballet, African, Line Dance, Tap, Stepping, and more, in addition to competitive dance teams and dance camps. Music class categories include choir, band, drumming, show choir, piano, and violin, in addition to offerings for moms.

Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene is reflected in CPD’s theater & performing arts classes including acting, creative writing, circus, literary arts, improv, and play production. Those looking to expand their horizons in the visual arts can take classes in ceramics, arts & crafts, drawing, painting, film, jewelry making photography, sewing, sculpture, and upholstery.

The Arts & Culture Department also offers a wide variety of specialized children’s camps and workshops and a Young Cultural Stewards program for creative young people 22 and under, to cultivate lifelong civic engagement.

Wellness and Fitness Programs

Modesto Valle of Chicago also explains that CPD’s wellness programs can help Chicagoans keep fit physically and mentally while enjoying the city’s natural beauty! The city’s fitness centers feature high-quality workout equipment and are a more affordable alternative to traditional gyms. Wellness events are offered year-round as part of the We Move Chicago initiative, which educates residents on wellness, fitness, and nutrition and helps them to incorporate healthy habits into their everyday lives. Events include special guided yoga classes (including rooftop yoga, sun rise yoga, and even first responder yoga!) and runs in the park.

In addition to a regular offering of low- or no-cost fitness and nutrition classes, residents might also choose to participate in the city-wide softball league. One can also seek out the city’s well-maintained paths and trails for running, walking, and cycling, and even take advantage of CPD’s on-demand at-home yoga and fitness videos.

Day Camp Programs

Modesto Valle of Chicago reports that the day camp program runs late June through early-mid August and offers a wide variety of activities to children in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Classes are offered to children 6-12 and 13-15. Campers participate in sports, crafts, art, fitness, and outdoor activities with an eye toward civic engagement, brain play, environmental awareness, friendship, kindness, collaboration, and team building.

Classes for Seniors

The parks also provide special classes for seniors and gives the older population a wonderful opportunity to stay fit, sharp, and social through a wide variety of offerings, available both in-person and online. Most senior programs are offered for free or at low coast for easy access. Programming examples include tennis, cardio line dancing, basketball, card games, drawing, painting, social clubs, game show, luncheons, swimming, strength & conditioning, yoga, and wood crafting. And of course, there’s also a vibrant BINGO community amongst Chicago’s seniors!

Special Events

Modesto Valle of Chicago says that in addition to the park’s regular summer programming, park goers can also enjoy special events like Chicago Philharmonic Sound Walks, Fairy Garden Exhibits, the Summer Flower Show, Night Out in the Parks, and Summer Movies in the Parks – most of which are free to attend!

In Conclusion

With its wide variety of offerings, Chicago Park Department has something for everyone! Get out there and enjoy.